Q: I'm hoping your readers can help me think of a gift idea for my brother. He is a stay-at-home father of twin boys (ages 2 1/2). With winter approaching here in Chicago, I know he is getting anxious about finding interesting activities for himself and the boys once the weather becomes too cold/snowy for park visits. I was hoping to get him a Christmas gift that would provide him with an outlet regardless of the weather. So far I've though of museum memberships, but I'd like something a little more general that can be used in more than one location. My price cap is about $100. Any help is appreciated!
Sent by Daisy
Editor: What a thoughtful gift giver you are! I have just one son that age and can relate to his growing anxiety about this winter. Readers, from Chicago or elsewhere, what ideas can you share with Daisy?
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Crazy Forts or EZ Forts are a fun thing to do at home. A membership at the local YMCA is good idea - classes, swimming, aerobic stuff...when my kids were little I would sometimes go in just to take an extra long shower (kids were in child care of course).
Daisy - That is so sweet and really thoughtful of you! I'd suggest signing the boys up for classes through Chicago Park District. They just opened registration up for classes that will start in January (warning: some of the classes fill up REALLY quickly.) Also becoming a member of the Garfield Park Conservatory is great. While the conservatory is free, membership gets them into some of their events for free, as well as into Morton Arboretum for free.
And, if your brother is not aware of the Chicago Dads group, you should send him this link and encourage him to go to some of the playgroups. Its made up of mostly SAHD, including my husband. Awesome group of men and a great group of kids. It will definitely provide him with some energy outlets for his boys.
http://www.chicagodads.com/groups/chicagodads
A lot of museums have agreements with each other so you can buy a membership to one and get access to lots of others. We have one to a local planetarium, which is good at hundreds of other science centers, children's musuems, etc., all over the country. So don't feel like you're necessarily limited to a single museum.
A museum or aquarium membership?
Museums can be daunting at times for kids that age (or for their parents). So maybe A pass for a local rec center is great. In my small town, our parks and rec has "open gym" in the winter where kids have free reign of tumbling mats, basketball hoops, balls, small indoor playground equipment, and a huge gymnasium. Perhaps there is a gymnastics center near their home with classes for toddler/pre-k. Or give activities that can be enjoyed at home--super cool arts and crafts supplies, indoor hopscotch, play tunnels/tents/teepees, etc.
We love our "collapsible wagon" (search for that on Amazon, about $150-$180) - anytime of year. Most places except Disney allow wagons and if it's not carrying the kids, it can haul the diaper bags & coolers.
In my area, there are some gyms and indoor soccer arenas that have "free play" time for kids under 5, knowing they don't go to school and need an exercise outlet during the colder months. Also try the libraries for storytime programs. It may not cost much for a gift, but a schedule or paying entrance fees and being thoughtful should be enough!
@ mamainpa that is hilarious! I hope you did more than just go and take hot showers. Though I can only get a 10 minute shower at my house so I know the feeling!
My mother just bought a pass for the drop in play space at the JCC (they have a few locations, I think, but my spot is at Wellington and Clark). It's fantastic spot for my 2 year old to play on cold days: I feel more hopeful about the winter already!
A membership is a great gift. I would stick to locations oriented towards children, such as the Chicago Children’s Museum. Regular museums can be stressful with toddlers, but the “exhibits” at children’s museums are geared towards the young and restless. Plus, with several different areas, each visit can feel fresh. What we love about memberships is that if someone has a tantrum 45 mins after arrival, we can leave without feeling like we wasted our admission fees.
I love the YMCA ideas. We don’t have any in our area, but they sound perfect. We frequent the drop-in gyms at our local parks and rec center. Priceless in the winter months.
Be mindful of your brother’s transport to the location. Someplace convenient will be better used.
My husband is a stay at home dad. I highly recommendation spending whatever leftover gift money you have on something specifically for your brother (and NOT related to the kids). I’ve found that a six-pack of good beer, a pound of high-quality coffee, or a new novel really means a lot to my SAHD.
i'm a mum to 2 1/2-year-old twin boys. a baby sitter for a few hours here and there would be a fabulous gift!
Thanks so much for your suggestions!
If you get a membership at the Childrens Museum in Chicago, it will also get you into the Museum of Science and Industry, the children's museum in DePage Co (for a little road or train trip) and the one in Rockford. Maybe others, but the membership works in many places. Ask for details but we use ours a lot.
Does your brother have any indoor play areas nearby that have the inflatables (such as Jump Zone)? A few visits there would be great for using up some of that energy.